Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, is usually perceived as a holy and peaceful place, being the place where the head of the Roman Catholic Church holds office and resides.
These days, however, a tragic death has cast a shadow on this holy city, involving no less than the Pope's seven-month pregnant receptionist.
Upon the request of top officials of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican police have launched a full investigation on the death of 34-year-old Miriam Wuolou, the receptionist of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Pope Francis resides.
Wuolou, who was of Eritrean descent but acquired Italian citizenship through marriage, was found dead in her private apartment in the Pisana suburb of Rome.
According to The Daily Beast, it was Wuolou's brother who alerted the police about her possible state after she failed to answer calls for days. The military police had to break the door of Wuolou's apartment, where they found her body already in an advanced state of decomposition.
The Vatican requested a complete autopsy and full criminal investigation to determine what caused Wuolou's death, with her close affinity to Pope Francis not being ruled out.
Based on initial reports, Wuolou's body was found to be clothed and without any apparent signs of violence.
The Pope's receptionist was also reported to be a diabetic, a sensitive and potentially fatal medical condition especially for pregnant women.
Police investigators, however, are looking at other possible causes of her death aside from insulin error.
According to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Vatican police investigators have already interviewed Wuolou's brother, her ex-husband and her most recent boyfriend for possible knowledge and link to the incident.
A DNA test will also be performed on the foetus inside Wuolou's womb to determine the paternity.
Pope Francis meanwhile visited Wuolou's wake, blessed her coffin and offered white flowers for his departed receptionist ahead of the funeral service in the church of Santo Stefano degli Abissini.
